North Korea Launches Cruise Missiles in Response to US-South Korean Military Drills

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported on Wednesday that North Korea had launched several cruise missiles into the sea. This launch comes three days after North Korea carried out a simulated nuclear attack on South Korea in protest of its military drills with the United States.

The launch marks the fourth round of weapons tests since the U.S. and South Korean militaries began large-scale military drills last week. North Korea has been vocal in its opposition to the drills, which it sees as an invasion rehearsal.

The United States is reportedly planning to send an aircraft carrier in the coming days for another round of joint drills with South Korea. In response, North Korea has stepped up its weapons testing activities, likely in an effort to enlarge its arsenal and win greater outside concessions.

Analysts believe North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is also trying to boost an image of a strong leader amid domestic economic hardships. It remains to be seen how the international community will respond to North Korea’s continued weapons testing.